Speed-Reversibility Matrix

The speed-reversibility framework is a simple matrix for decision-making that explains when to analyze scenarios before making decisions and when to move extremely fast instead.

The main takeaway is that in the business world, you have to operate at two opposite levels: the short and the long term.

While these time horizons might align, sometimes, the truth is, they won’t most of the time.

Thus, how do you make sure to be in survival mode, while also investing in the future?

That’s the conundrum that the speed-reversibility matrix tries to solve.

Or, put in simple words, it tries to find the sweet spot between short and long-term, between survival mode and onward-looking mode, to unlock what I like to call asymmetric bets!

As you dive into the entrepreneurial world, you might struggle to make things work.

And as that happens, you start looking for resources online to help you out throughout that process.

Chances are you'll stumble on an article about making a sound decision by using data, and you turn to a data-science degree, instead of focusing on growing your business.

For that sake of that, a simple matrix like the speed-reversibility matrix can help you out.

And we'll start with three simple principles.